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Immunoreactive human epidermal growth factor concentrations in amniotic fluid, umbilical artery and vein serum, and
S M Scott1, G G Buenaflor, D N Orth
1Harbor-UCLA medical Center, Torrance, Calif.
Insights
Immunoreactive human epidermal growth factor (IR-hEGF) was found in the placenta, amniotic fluid, and cord blood during pregnancy. Its increasing concentration suggests a role for EGF in perinatal development.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Human Epidermal Growth Factor (hEGF) plays critical roles in cell growth and differentiation.
- Understanding the presence and role of hEGF during fetal development is crucial for perinatal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure immunoreactive hEGF (IR-hEGF) levels in various perinatal samples.
- To investigate the distribution and concentration changes of IR-hEGF throughout gestation.
Main Methods:
- Samples collected from 27 full-term and 14 preterm infants.
- Analysis of IR-hEGF in amniotic fluid, amniotic membranes, placenta (fetal and maternal sides), and umbilical cord blood (artery and vein).
Main Results:
- IR-hEGF was detected in the human placenta, amniotic fluid, and cord blood during the latter half of gestation.
- Concentrations of IR-hEGF in placental tissue, amniotic fluid, and cord blood increased with advancing gestational age.
Conclusions:
- The presence and progressive increase of IR-hEGF suggest a significant role for EGF during perinatal development.
- hEGF may be a key factor influencing fetal growth and maturation in the perinatal period.
Abstract:
Immunoreactive human epidermal growth factor (IR-hEGF) was measured in samples taken from 27 full-term and 14 preterm infants. The samples included amniotic fluid, amniotic membranes, fetal and maternal sides of the placenta, and matched umbilical artery and umbilical vein serum. Our results demonstrated the presence of IR-hEGF in the human placenta, amniotic fluid and cord blood during the second half of gestation. The increase in placental tissue, amniotic fluid, and cord blood concentration with progressive gestation suggests a possible functional role for EGF during perinatal development.